Webster Groves task force cites speeding, lack of sidewalks in Safe Streets survey; plans deeper community outreach

A project staff member told the Webster Groves Safe Streets Task Force that a recent community survey showed strong local concern about roadway safety and will guide outreach and planning for a formal Safety Action Plan.

The presenter said the comprehensive-plan survey had “about 300 responses,” and that the Safe Streets survey “was very close to doubling that,” signaling higher participation for this topic. The presenter added that “69% of the people taking the survey walk daily in Webster Groves,” and that about 94% of respondents identified themselves as residents. The presenter described top concerns as speeding and aggressive or distracted driving, unsafe pedestrian crossings, a lack of sidewalks, challenging intersections and unsafe bike lanes.

The survey’s findings matter because staff said the current funding is for a planning grant to produce a Safety Action Plan; that plan would be used to apply for future implementation grant funds to install longer-term safety…